Saudi prince visits Sioux Falls businesses

A Saudi Arabian prince visited Sioux Falls last week in a low-profile trip to learn more about business in South Dakota.

Prince Saud bin Khalid al-Faisal flew himself from Chicago to Sioux Falls on April 14 and didn’t want any fanfare around the visit, according to Rock Nelson, international marketing director of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

“His purpose in coming was to learn more about economic development,” Nelson said. “Sioux Falls and South Dakota are a hotbed of activity, so he wanted to learn how we attract businesses … what opportunities and incentives do we provide.”

The prince met with a group of economic development representatives from the state, city, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

He had lunch at Sanaa’s 8th Street Gourmet and toured several businesses. At Marmen Inc. in Brandon, he watched wind turbine manufacturing and learned what attracted the Canada-based business to South Dakota.

He also toured EROS Data Center and went to a Raven Industries facility to learn about aerostats.

“He wanted to get down in the trenches and really learn about businesses,” Nelson said.

A highlight came at Rosenbauer America’s Lyons manufacturing facility, where the prince saw fire rescue vehicles being made as part of an order from his home country.

“He could not get over the fact they were made here and he’ll be seeing them over there,” Nelson said.

The company has a long-standing relationship with the Saudi government. An order recently came in for $208 million in firefighting apparatus. Of the 800 vehicles to be supplied, 470 will be built in South Dakota in the next two years.

The prince was aware of the business relationship with Rosenbauer, said Harold Boer, president of Rosenbauer America and CEO of Rosenbauer South Dakota.

“We were impressed with him, his understanding of business and the need for economic development and a good working relationship within the U.S.,” Boer said. “These are the types of relationships that we need to work on, so we can continue to grow in the international marketplace.”

After touring Sioux Falls, the prince met with lawyer Dave Knudson, who represents T. Denny Sanford, to learn more about philanthropy, Nelson said. He then visited the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Mount Rushmore.

“I was really pleased,” Nelson said. “(He has) a great sense of humor, not stuffy, and he wasn’t afraid to ask questions. He came here to learn.”

The prince’s visit was part of a fellowship. His official duties in Saudi Arabia include investment affairs and national competitiveness.